2K1 defender recreates 'golden moment' from SEA Games ahead of joining Vietnam national team

Defender Phan Tuấn Tài shone with an assist helping The Cong Viettel defeat Hai Phong, recalling memories from SEA Games 31 before joining the Vietnam national team camp.

Right after the opening whistle at Hang Day Stadium, Hai Phong was the more proactive team, continuously creating pressure towards goalkeeper Van Viet's goal. Fletcher had two notable shots, while Tagueu nearly opened the score in the 32nd minute after bypassing the Viettel goalkeeper but shot wide of the empty goal.

After initially enduring pressure, The Cong Viettel gradually regained control and managed the ball better. In the 36th minute, Colonna delivered a favorable cross for Hoang Minh to attempt an improvised volley, but the ball missed the post. Before the first half ended, the home team also had a header that hit the crossbar, full of regret. However, the stalemate of the match was truly broken after the break, when the left flank, energized by Phan Tuấn Tài, began making a difference.

In the second half, the match became tighter as both teams played more cautiously. Hai Phong still had dangerous opportunities, notably Dam Tiến Dũng's tricky lob forcing Van Viet to dive to save. Nevertheless, The Cong Viettel maintained balance and waited for the chance to deliver a decisive blow.

The turning point of the match arrived in the 60th minute. From the left flank, Phan Tuấn Tài executed an extremely precise cross for striker Lucao to leap high and head the ball past Đình Triệu, opening the score for The Cong Viettel. This pass recalled Tuấn Tài's assist for Nhâm Mạnh Dũng's header against Thailand U23, helping Vietnam U23 win SEA Games 31 at My Dinh in 2022.

Not only making an impact in the decisive moment, Phan Tuấn Tài also had an extremely energetic match. The defender born in 2001 continuously moved up and down, frequently advancing to participate in ball distribution and contributing to Viettel's overall play. In the final minutes, he still fiercely tracked back to protect the home team's goal, showing impressive physical fitness.

This standout performance occurred just as Tuấn Tài prepares to join the Vietnam national team camp. According to confirmation from The Cong Viettel, he and Khuất Văn Khang will participate in the FIFA Days training camp in late March under coach Kim Sang Sik, where the national team will face Bangladesh and Malaysia respectively. With his current form, Tuấn Tài is clearly sending a strong statement for competing for a spot on the Vietnam national team's left flank.

The narrow victory over Hai Phong not only helped The Cong Viettel continue its impressive form in V.League, but also witnessed the standout performance of Phan Tuấn Tài. The decisive assist and energetic display throughout the match are a strong affirmation from this defender ahead of joining the Vietnam national team camp.